On a relatively warm Valentines Day in New York City, Manny Pacquiao and his entourage showed up at Chelsea Piers as part of the press tour for his upcoming bout with former 3 time champion Sugar Shane Mosley. So far there's been no trash talkin as both camps have been cordial towards one another and shown nothing but respect for each other. Maybe boxing doesn't always need a bad guy. In fact, sometimes two good guys are better
Bob Arum Kicked off the festivities by talking up Showtime`s first Major Pay Per View event since Corrales –Castillo II. Arum introduced Showtime executives Matt Blank and Ken Hershman who both seemed excited that Showtime and CBS are part of this epic event.
Arum introduced all the members of Team Mosley and trainer Nazim Richardson spoke for a few moments about the upcoming bout against Pacquiao. Richardson was quoted saying “If you don’t like Manny Pacquiao, then he must have done something to you personally, like steal your girlfriend or something!” and “ Its classless to accuse someone of doing something that you have no proof of,” strong statements that basically takes a dig at Mayweather`s stand at Pacquiao using performance enhancing drugs.
After Nazim Richardson spoke, Arum introduced Pacquiao and the rest of his team. Trainer Freddie Roach spoke as well, vowing to be ready for Mosley. Since it was Valentines Day, Manny Pacquiao had a surprise for his wife Jinkee who was in attendance. Out came a huge Valentines Day cake and Mrs. Pacquiao joined her husband on stage to pose for pictures with the giant tiered cake. Shane Mosley wished a Happy Valentines Day to his significant other as well.
Mosley and Pacquiao both took to the podium soon after promising to be ready and to give a great performance on May 7th. Pacquiao also promoted a documentary about Himself to be released at the end of 2011.
After the press conference, lunch was served and reporters were able to get some one on one interviews with the trainers and their fighters.
Shane Mosley Quotes:
When asked where he will train:
Big Bear, California
When asked if this fight was the biggest fight of his career (Money aside):
“Yes, it is. The press tour has been crazy, probably the biggest I`ve been around and the arena was almost sold out in 3 hours”.
When asked if Pacquiao reminded him of anyone else he`s ever fought:
“No, he has a very different style, like nothing that I`ve ever seen before.
When asked if a win or close loss would he continue to box:
“Yes, then maybe I can get back in the ring with Floyd”.
When asked if a bad loss would make him consider retirement:
“Yes, depending on how bad the loss is. A knockout would definitely make me consider hanging them up.”
A few Quotes from Freddy Roach:
When asked what`s his biggest concern coming into the fight with Mosley:
“Mosley`s experience. He`s not the most dangerous fight out there for us but his experience will help him when we are in situations we want to be in.”
When asked where Pacquiao will train:
4 weeks in the Philipines and 4 weeks at the Wild Card.
When asked about different training methods for this camp and the rumors about an Alex Ariza and Pacquiao falling out:
“Ariza`s problem was with Amir Khan and Khan`s father. Pacquiao`s only concern was changing some of the training methods, like cutting out the protein shakes and the use of the swimming pool. Manny will train for the first 3 weeks alone and use Ariza in the final weeks leading up to the fight.”
When asked about a prediction for the fight: “Were gonna stop Mosley, I haven`t watched any tapes yet so I cant pick a round but were gonna stop him.”
And just like that, they all boarded the train to Washington D.C.
Picture Gallery: Photos By Lance Mortellero/TheBoxingOracle.Com
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